The Acting Customs Area Controller of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Usman Adamu, has disclosed that the Command intercepted smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value of over N1.01 billion between January and early March 2026 as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations across the two states.
Speaking during his maiden press briefing at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano, on Tuesday 10, March 2026, DC Adamu said the seizures were the outcome of intelligence-driven operations, coordinated patrols and strengthened collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies.
He explained that the Command’s enforcement activities are aimed at protecting the nation’s economy, safeguarding public health and blocking revenue leakages arising from illicit cross-border trade.
“Our anti-smuggling operations are designed to protect the Nigerian economy, safeguard public health and prevent illicit trade that undermines legitimate businesses.” DC Adamu said.
Among the notable interceptions recorded during the period was the seizure of undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where Customs officers intercepted 106,500 United States dollars, 134,256 Saudi riyals, 28 Chinese Yuan and 20 Ghanaian Cedis concealed by a passenger who failed to declare the funds in line with existing regulations.
The Acting Controller also revealed that the Command intercepted 1,447 pieces of smuggled used pneumatic tyres along the Yan Awaki axis of the Eastern Bypass in Kano following an intelligence-led operation.
He added, “Officers of the Command intercepted two smuggled Dongfeng vehicles along the Kano–Hadejia and Maiduguri roads. One of the vehicles was discovered to be carrying six silver metal bars weighing about 12.2 kilograms.”
“In another incident, an outbound passenger was intercepted with undeclared silver bars weighing about 22.8 kilograms concealed in his baggage without the required export documentation.” DCC Adamu said.
He noted that the suspect, together with the undeclared currencies and precious metals, had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation and prosecution.
The Command also intercepted a Citroën bus along the Babura axis in Jigawa State conveying 35 bales of second-hand clothing and several kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil in violation of import restrictions.
In another operation, Customs officers intercepted a Howo truck head along the Katsina–Kano axis after discovering that the vehicle was accompanied by forged temporary importation documents.
Further enforcement operations led to the seizure of another Howo truck loaded with 2,765 cartons of smuggled foreign spaghetti along the Ajiri village axis of Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State.
DC Adamu also disclosed that the Command intercepted over 15 million capsules of Pregabalin 300mg, suspected to be fake pharmaceutical products, at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company terminal of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
“The products were suspected to be unregistered medicaments without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the seized items would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation.”
In separate operations, the Command intercepted two cows suspected to have been rustled along Gezawa Road in Kano and arrested two suspects who were later handed over to the police for further investigation.
Wildlife trafficking also featured among the interceptions, as officers of the Command rescued a live lion cub within Kano metropolis and arrested two suspects in connection with the illegal possession of the animal.
Customs operatives also intercepted one live pangolin and another dead specimen around the Na’ibawa axis of Kano, while a second live pangolin was later seized along the Kano–Maiduguri road.
DC Adamu said the wildlife seizures contravene the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, adding, “In total, the Command recorded seizures of nine major categories of prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value exceeding N1.018 billion within the period under review.”
The Acting Controller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with security agencies and stakeholders in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, which he said is anchored on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
He warned individuals involved in smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage to desist from such activities, stressing that the Command would continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations within its jurisdiction.
“The Kano/Jigawa Area Command remains resolute in enforcing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws. Anyone involved in illegal trade should desist immediately.” DC Adamu said.
He also commended stakeholders, host communities and the media for their support, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the Service in combating illicit activities.
